The biggest issue, however, is the debate over unserved areas versus underserved areas. Established broadband providers are concerned that the government not give federal grants to competitors looking to build new — and potentially faster — Internet services in markets that already have some form of broadband.

“We believe that the rules that will result here should not overly fund competitors in a market where there are already multiple broadband providers,” said Matthew Polka, president of the American Cable Association, which represents smaller cable operators.

De verdad, ¿que existen múltiples competidores? ¿Dónde? Y esta otra:

Cable and large phone companies would also like some of the $7.2 billion in stimulus funds to go toward spurring demand by consumers who have access to broadband now but don’t subscribe. Incentives for such consumers might include things like subsidized purchases of PCs or discounted broadband access for low-income households, for instance, through an existing federal telephone-subsidy program.

“Not everyone can afford” broadband, said Kyle McSlarrow, president of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, a cable industry lobbying group. “Let’s go after the demand side.”

Seeking a change in Florida’s phone rules, companies have been spending big for a legislative push.

Phone company giants like AT&T say their goal is simple: bring better service and lower rates to customers.

Yet they’re spending a mountain of money on big-name lobbyists to make it happen.

The so-dubbed ”Consumer Choice and Protection Act”removes the Public Service Commission’s authority to regulate rates and quality of servicefor all but the basic landline phone service — defined as just a single line and no extra features.

The bill’s broadening of the definition of non-basic service also subjects more customers to potential maximum rate increases of up to 20 percent a year.

Supporters insist the deregulation will lead to lower rates because phone companies will be able to match Comcast and other cable giants when they lower their prices.

”Prices in the telecommunications industry have always gone down when you bring in competition,” said House sponsor and future Speaker Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.

Opponents say the proposed legislation could bring higher bills and worse service to customers.

Leslie Spencer, a Tallahassee lobbyist for the AARP, opposes the deregulation.